Transcript
BROOKE GLADSTONE: And now for a few of your letters. We received heaps of mail about Bob's commentary on Stephen Colbert's performance at the White House Correspondents' Dinner.
BOB GARFIELD: Most of the e-mail writers agreed with Barbara J. Hewick, of Eugene, Oregon, who wrote, "Dude, I can't believe you sided with the folks who called Stephen Colbert rude. Was the boy who pointed out the emperor's new clothes were nonexistent rude? Bush is nude, baby. That the White House Press Corps had to have this pointed out to them by a comic is just sad, but it's their own fault for acting like courtiers."
BROOKE GLADSTONE: But several writers understood and agreed with Bob's take. Adam D. Sperry of North Hollywood, California, wrote, quote, "I wanted to thank you for your comments at the end of the show. You asked why the event even takes place the way it does. I was asking myself the same thing. Wring your hands about Colbert's performance, if you must, but why was Bush or any sitting president on the dais anyway? There's something very wrong about the whole setup, and not just the dinner."
BOB GARFIELD: Many in the anti-me camp did raise an interesting point. Adam wrote, "While Colbert's shtick may have fallen flat with the audience who saw it in person, the video clip has taken on a life of its own. I can't help but wonder whether he was really trying to perform for the White House Press Corps, or whether Colbert's real intended audience was those of us who already are fans."